5 REASONS TO UPGRADE YOUR HVAC WITH UVGI TECHNOLOGY
The Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) system filters indoor air for dust, allergens, dirt, and other pollutants. It cleans the air and maintains the temperature at a comfortable level, thereby improving Indoor Air Quality (IAQ). This system has a wide application in commercial buildings, IT parks, shopping malls, hospitals, schools, and other commercial and industrial spaces. According to a report by Expert Market Research, the global HVAC market is projected to reach USD 301 billion market size at a CAGR of 4% by 2027.
However, the COVID-19 pandemic has raised concerns about the use of HVAC. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) states that SARS-CoV-2 (the virus that causes COVID-19) spreads faster indoors than outdoors. Various studies indicate that the HVAC system can be a source of airborne infections in an indoor environment. It can function as a breeding ground for pathogenic microorganisms and trap airborne particles inside the ductwork and air system. Therefore, the HVAC system could be responsible for droplet, aerosol, and airborne transmission, which are considered the most common methods of COVID-19 spread.
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It is essential that the HVAC system addresses these challenges by not only purifying the indoor air but also decontaminating or inactivating the harmful pathogens, reducing the pathogen load circulating within indoor spaces.
How Can UVGI Solution Solve This Issue?
Ultraviolet Germicidal Irradiation (UVGI) is an electromagnetic radiation technique. According to the American Society of Heating, Refrigeration and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE), UVGI uses short-wave ultraviolet energy to inactivate viral, fungal, and bacterial organisms, preventing them from replicating and causing disease potentially.
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UVGI is now considered an effective technique for air disinfection and has found its application in the HVAC system. Unfortunately, the conventional HVAC system is not equipped with UVGI.
5 Reasons to Upgrade Your HVAC with UGVI
1. Improves IAQ and Air Flow
UVGI reduces the buildup of pathogens and contaminants in HVAC, improving both heat exchange and airflow. It also purifies the air, thereby improving IAQ and providing cleaner, healthier air.
2. Gives Higher Energy Efficiency
UVGI lowers the energy consumption of HVAC by restoring its performance to peak level, leading to higher energy efficiency and cost savings on utility bills.
3. Reduces Disease Transmission
UVGI destroys or inactivates microorganisms, reducing the risk of respiratory and other health issues. Several studies have also found that UVGI can kill more than 99.9% of COVID-19 viruses present in airborne droplets and surfaces. It is a chemical-free technique and doesn’t leave any residues, instrumental in reducing disease transmission through HVAC.
4. Reduces Maintenance
UVGI keeps HVAC coils clean year-round, thereby eliminating the need for routine cleaning and maintenance, reducing maintenance costs and potential damage to coils.
5. Improves Well-Being of Staff and Customers
Cleaner and healthier air reduces the risk of contracting airborne diseases and fatigue for staff and customers, leading to increased productivity and decreased absenteeism due to respiratory illnesses.
